So what exactly is BPA? I had to look this up as I haven't seen it before. Its full name is Bisphenol A, which is a phenolic compound used in the synthesis of many different types of plastics. Most notably for our purposes, BPA is an important component of polycarbonate. For our interest, polycarbonate appears in most hard plastic water bottles that are available for consumer purchase. While BPA is simply a precursor chemical, it does appear in the end product as chemical reactions are rarely fully completed. As such, it can leach from the completed polycarbonate material into the surrounding environment.

As far as health effects go, it is a compound known to interfere with estrogen in the human body. This leads to a wide range of potential problems that can arise.

What are the solutions? Buy a SIGG water bottle of course. While they are lined with an epoxy compound (another type of polymer) they are completely BPA free. Or, if you really want to go for polymer free try one of the stainless steel flasks which we offer. Only slightly heavier and very durable.

what can you put into a SIGG flask? Water of course, but how about egg nog or beer or bourbon? The robust stainless steel construction can handle anything you care to carry. Whatever you choose, have a happy holidays while enjoying the beverage of your choice.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

For us at Baying Hound, charitable giving is a matter of social responsibility. We work hard to earn your business and are fortunate enough to have a profitable company because of it. We believe in supporting organizations with at least 1 percent of those profits.

A few weeks ago we asked for your input on which charities to choose this year. We looked over all the recommendations and are proud to announce our support of the following non-profit organizations:

Review Summary: This is a lovely, stylish, quality container for your hot or cool beverage.

My first impression of the metro mug is stylish. The slimmed profile looks light and airy, not chunky like your grandfather's thermos. The colors are rich and the finish is slick and smooth.

I tested the pictured pastel blue 8.5 ounce metro mug. The day we received these mugs, I washed one, poured in near boiling water, threw in a tea bag, took it out in five minutes, screwed on the lid, and walked out the door. A half hour later I unscrewed the top to take a drink and the tea was still near boiling hot. I left the lid off for about ten minutes and it was finally cool enough to drink. I took a few sips and had to be on the go again. When I got home and remembered the mug five hours later the tea was still hot! SIGG says these mugs will keep beverages hot for six hours and I tested it to be true.

The stainless steel bottle opening is perfectly designed to give you a cool, easy drinking lip. The lip is full enough to comfortably sip with no dribbles. I was surprised to find that the lip remains cool even when the drink is hot.

This mug is not well suited for drinking and driving because you must unscrew the top each time you drink. I typically take short drives within the city or ride passenger, so this is not a big downside.

The 8.5 ounce size is sized for a single serving of a drink. I use the 8.5 ounce as a mug at home and refill from the coffee pot throughout the morning. It keeps the coffee extra hot. However, for the commuter, 8.5 ounces of beverage may not get you through the morning. The 13 ounce size is great for the commuter, or for transporting hot cocoa for two.

I did not test the handling properties of the metro mug for cold beverages. I do not prefer iced drinks even during the summer. I do know a little about thermal properties - double walled construction should work equally well for both temperatures. SIGG claims cold beverages will stay such for 12 hours.

My biggest complaint about the metro mugs is that the small size only comes in pink and pastel blue. Both of these look feminine. I would like to see something more gender neutral, especially for people looking to give gifts. The dark blue 13 ounce size is a stunning color for men

This year, we are opening the nominations to you, our dedicated readers. If you volunteer or financially support a 501(c)3 eligible charity, nominate them to receive some of our donations this year. Send us an email with the website, physical address, and a short 4 - 5 sentence paragraph telling us what the organization does and why we should support it.

We will pick the best 3 - 4 charities and announce our choices on December 17!

Nominations are due December 14. If we pick your charity we'll send you a free gift too!